COLUMBUS, OHIO -- The Columbus Blue Jackets have recalled forward Jack Skille from the American Hockey League’s Springfield Falcons and assigned forward Sean Collins to their AHL affiliate, club General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen announced today. Skille is expected to join the Blue Jackets prior to tonight’s game against the Washington Capitals at Verizon Center.

Skille was Chicago’s first pick, seventh overall, at the 2005 NHL Draft. The 6-1, 215-pound winger has recorded 20 goals and 29 assists for 49 points with 73 penalty minutes in 178 NHL career games with the Blackhawks and Florida Panthers. In 40 games with Florida in 2012-13, Skille tallied 3-9-12, 11 penalty minutes and 96 hits, which was the second-highest total on the team. This season, he has picked up 1-0-1 and is +1 in two games with Springfield.

A native of Madison, Wisconsin, Skille won a bronze medal with Team USA at the 2007 IIHF World Junior Championships and helped the Americans capture gold at the 2005 IIHF World U18 Championships. He also won a national championship with the University of Wisconsin in 2006 after leading all Badgers freshman in scoring with 13-8-21 and 37 penalty minutes in 41 games.

Collins, 24, appeared in five games with the Blue Jackets last season and recorded five blocked shots in addition to three hits and six penalty minutes. The 6-1, 198-pound center has tallied 12-24-36 and a +20 plus/minus rating in 78 career AHL games with Springfield. This season, he is +1 in three games with Springfield and appeared in one game with Columbus.

Columbus’ ninth pick, 187th overall, at the 2008 NHL Draft, Collins turned pro on March 29, 2012 after spending four seasons with the Cornell Big Red (ECAC/NCAA) where he notched 30-26-56 in 136 career games.